Bonfante Dominates California Turf Sprint

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(from Bay Meadows report)
Bonfante, making his first start since finishing second in the 2005 California Turf Sprint Championship last Sept. 24, won the 2006 edition of the $100,000 grass stakes for California-bred horses in convincing fashion Saturday at Bay Meadows.

Bonfante charged around dueling speedsters Greenie and Whatsthenameman on the turn to take command and never looked back. Ridden by Russell Baze, the 5-year-old gelding won the five-furlong turf dash by 2 1/4 lengths over Old Man River in :57.04.

Bonfante is trained by the Steve Specht and owned in partnership by Frankfurt Stables and Eugene Tenbrick.

Bonfante, a son of Fruition, paid $5.40 after earning his seventh victory in 16 career starts and his fourth stakes tally. Saturday's win was worth $55,000 and boosted his earnings to $286,682.

Old Man River, with Dennis Carr aboard, took second by three lengths over Red Warrior.

Greenie, the even-money favorite ridden by Roberto Gonzalez, faded in the stretch to finish sixth in the field of seven.

(Chart, Equibase)

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